License & Subscription Issues

How to Check if a Microsoft 365 Subscription Will Auto-Renew

Elise Williams Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to verify if their Microsoft 365 subscription is set to automatically renew to prevent future unexpected charges.

How to Check if Your Microsoft 365 Subscription Will Renew Automatically

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Verifying subscription billing status and managing auto-renewal to avoid recurring charges.
Observed behavior: The user experienced an unexpected billing charge and needs to confirm whether future automated charges will occur by checking the renewal status.

Before you start

Ensure you have the login credentials for the exact Microsoft, Apple, or Google account that was originally used to purchase the subscription.

Solution 1Recommended

Check and Disable Auto-Renewal via Microsoft Account

Use the official Microsoft Services & subscriptions page to verify your billing status and disable recurring billing.

If you purchased your subscription directly from Microsoft, all billing and renewal settings are managed through your Microsoft account portal. Turning off recurring billing ensures your subscription simply expires at the end of the term without charging you again.

Sign in to Microsoft

Open your web browser and navigate to the Microsoft account 'Services and subscriptions' page. Sign in with the email and password associated with your Microsoft 365 account.

Locate your subscription

Scroll through the list of active services to find your Microsoft 365 subscription. Look at the details under the subscription name to see the current expiration or renewal date.

Manage recurring billing

Click on 'Manage' next to the subscription. If recurring billing is currently active, click on 'Turn off recurring billing' and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the cancellation of future charges.

Check and Disable Auto-Renewal via Microsoft Account

Third-Party Billing: If your subscription was purchased through a third party (like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store), you will not be able to manage the auto-renewal through Microsoft. You must cancel it directly through the respective app store's subscription settings.

Solution 2

Remove Your Payment Method

Remove your saved credit card or payment method from your Microsoft account to guarantee no future charges can be processed.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office and Avoid Expensive Subscription Fees

Tired of unexpected charges and expensive recurring billing from Microsoft 365? WPS Office is a powerful, lightweight, and completely free alternative that provides full compatibility with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats without the hefty price tag.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install the software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
3. Open your Microsoft files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents to continue working seamlessly for free.

Free to use with no mandatory recurring subscription feesFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Lightweight application that runs smoothly on older devicesFamiliar user interface for a seamless transition from Microsoft 365

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was I charged for Microsoft 365 when I already paid earlier this year?

You might have multiple active subscriptions on different Microsoft accounts, or a monthly subscription might have been upgraded to an annual plan. Check your 'Services & subscriptions' page to verify exactly what plan is active.

Can I get a refund if my subscription automatically renewed by mistake?

Microsoft generally allows you to request a refund if you cancel the subscription within 30 days of the auto-renewal charge. You can initiate this cancellation and refund request through the 'Manage' section of your subscription page.

How do I cancel a Microsoft 365 auto-renewal billed through Apple?

On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app, tap your name at the top, select 'Subscriptions', locate your Microsoft 365 subscription, and tap 'Cancel Subscription'.

What happens to my files if I turn off auto-renewal?

Your files remain safe. You will still have full access to Microsoft 365 features until your current billing period expires. After expiration, your OneDrive storage limit may reduce to the free tier (5GB), and Office apps will switch to view-only mode.

Login & Account Issues